
.purpose to gather "in one all things in Christ." The Redeemer will in
that day in actuality as now in God's plan and purpose, be the One in
whom are all things both in heaven and on earth. To the individual,
however, the important thing is to know he is in God's purpose in
Christ Jesus. The mystery is solved to the child of faith, "Christ in
you, the hope of glory." You yielding all to Him, and He Redeemer,
Saviour, Sanctifier, coming into your life, and making you "to the
praise of the glory of His grace." Wonderful, miraculous mystery, but
it is ours to know. All things of worth which this worldtknows can not
be compared to its eternal value.
7.
What part have we in God's purpose? Verse 11, first part.
NOTE.—"Have obtained an inheritance." It is ours in Christ Jesus.
When we receive Him, we receive the inheritance in Him. "By and by
the gates of heaven will be thrown open to admit God's children, and
from the lips of the King of glory the benediction will fall on their
ears like richest music, `Come, ye blessed of My Father, inherit the
kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.' . . .
"Every sinful tendency, every imperfection, that afflicts them here,
has been removed by the blood of Christ, and the excellence and bright-
ness of His glory, far exceeding the brightness of the sun, is imparted
to them."—"Steps to Christ," pp. 131, 132.
8.
How were we brought into the purpose? Verse 11, second part.
NoTE.—"It is impossible for us, of ourselves, to escape from the
pit of sin in which we are sunken. Our hearts are evil, and we can not
change them. .. . There must be a power working from within, a new
life from above, before men can be changed from sin to holiness. That
power is Christ. His grace alone can quicken the lifeless faculties of
the soul, and attract it to God, to holiness."—"Steps to Christ," p. 20.
9.
If we yield to the will of God, who is praised and glorified by
our character?. Verse 12.
NOTE.—"Praise of His glory." "The revelation of His own glory
in the form of humanity, will bring heaven so near to men that the
beauty adorning the inner temple will be seen in every soul in whom
the Saviour dwells. Men will be captivated by the glory of an abiding
Christ. And in currents of praise and thanksgiving from the many
souls thus won to God, glory will flow back to the great Giver."—
"Christ's Object Lessons," p. 420.
10.
What is the basis of trusting in Christ? Verse 13, first part.
NOTE.—"The word of truth." The importance of the word of truth
can not be overstressed. It is absolutely vital. Jesus said, "I am the
way, the truth, and the life." John 14:6. We are sanctified by His
word of truth. John 17:17. And He says, "The words that I speak
unto you, they are spirit, and they are life." John 6:63. Truth is
warm, living, mighty. And the basis of truth is the living word of
truth, the gospel.
11.
What assurance, or pledge, is given that our hope of the in-
heritance will be fulfilled? Verse 13, last part.
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